NEW YORK: The relief wing of the UN called for “urgent” help for Afghan families in Herat, who have lost everything to a series of devastating quakes as temperatures dropped into single digits, local media reported on Saturday.
UN Calls For ‘Urgent’ Assistance for Quake-hit People in Afghanistan
With almost two-thirds of the quake-hit area areas assessed, over 21,500 houses have been destroyed, and a further 17,000 have been severely damaged, the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office (OCHA) said. As per media reports, more than 154,000 people have been suffered in the earthquake.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has deployed psychosocial counselors to support people cope with the overwhelming loss. Women also face serious challenges, such as the heightened risks of preventable maternal death, hunger and gender-based violence.
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UNFPA is working to address issues of health in the region. The UN agency also issued a funding appeal for $11.6 million to continue delivering life-saving, health supplies and services.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also warns that services for around 580,000 people have been badly disrupted.
